Sepsis in children

Children who have specific premorbid conditions that put them at high risk of sepsis and its sequelae will require different monitoring from other patients. Follow-up often depends on the underlying condition (e.g., respiratory follow-up for a child who has had pneumonia). Some children may need follow-up with a team of clinicians such as a specialist, a community pharmacist, and a community paediatrician.

Children who present with recurrent sepsis, or who have a family history compatible with primary immunodeficiency (e.g., complement disorders), should be referred for formal immunological follow-up. Where recurrent infection is a feature, the need for prophylactic antibiotics should be discussed with a paediatric immunologist.

Long-term monitoring of development is a further important consideration following recovery from sepsis or critical illness.